Honest Tea is taking a cue from its parent company and starting to play in the carbonated realm. The company, which is owned by Coca-Cola, has introduced Honest Fizz, a line of stevia-sweetened zero-calorie sodas available in Lemon Limey, Orange Pop, Professor Fizz (spiced cherry) and Root Beer flavors. The Root Beer offering is USDA-certified organic and the company says it's working to convert the rest of the line to organic, like much of the Honest portfolio.

The planned merger of soft drink rivals AG Barr and Britvic has moved a step closer after shareholders in both companies voted to back the move. It follows an all-share deal reached by the firms in November after extended talks. The merger will give Britvic shareholders about 63 percent of the new company and AG Barr shareholders 37 percent. (BBC News)

Diageo’s open offer for acquiring up to 26% of shares in United Spirits (USL) has been delayed as regulatory clearances are still to come by. The Rs5,441-crore(US$992.8 million) open offer that was tentatively scheduled to have taken place between Jan. 7 and Jan. 18 has still to get approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi). (Daily News & Analysis India)

Tecate and Tecate Light announce the launch of their annual national retail program focused on helping U.S. Hispanics 21 and older celebrate their passion for football from the moment they buy the essentials needed for a viewing party at home or a tailgate. The brand equity will place bilingual thematic POS materials with the slogan “A Man Knows How to Choose His Team” (a reference to Tecate and Tecate Light), cross-merchandise and consumer promotions at off-premise locations across the country between Jan. 1 and Feb. 15, 2013.

he Kentucky Department of Alcohol Beverage Control approved Dayton, Ohio-based Crystal Spirits LLC's request to sell its premium Buckeye Vodka brand in 750ml and 1.75L bottles throughout the state. Heidelberg Distributing Company of Kentucky will represent Buckeye Vodka. "We believe Kentucky will embrace Buckeye Vodka," said Mike Monnin, Vice President and General Manager at Heidelberg Kentucky. "Kentuckians demand quality and value in their spirits and Buckeye Vodka certainly delivers on both."

New Planet Beer, a prominent entry in the growing gluten-free beer segment, has a new look for the New Year and launched a new website to match. New Planet Beer Co. says the new graphic design incorporating a green label and reverse white type boldly displaying the name New Planet creates stunning branding to ensure New Planet will stand out on the shelf and in the bar.